Johnson Honored with Invitation to Play on Cayman Islands National Team

Oct 07, 2011

BRISTOL, Tenn. –Michael Johnson, a senior defenseman for the King College men's soccer team, has accepted an offer to play for the Cayman Islands National soccer team as a part of the qualification round for the 2014 FIFA World Cup. The Cayman Islands continue their four-game qualifying round with a match against Suriname tonight, for which Johnson will be present.

Johnson, a native of Georgetown, Cayman Islands, has played in seven games with the Tornado, starting six. He missed the team's double-overtime loss to Lenoir Rhyne on Wednesday (Oct. 5) due to travel associated with his acceptance to play with the Cayman Islands. The defenseman has not recorded a point this season and has one shot on the year.

The Cayman Islands are playing in Group A of the North/Central America and Caribbean region as part of a 35-team field that includes the United States, Canada and powerhouse Mexico. Joining the Cayman Islands in Group A is Suriname, the Dominican Republic, El Salvador, Jamaica and the United States. Currently, the Cayman Islands team is 0-2-0 and has allowed five goals to their one goal scored. The team earned a first round bye before taking part in the second round of pool play. The Group A second round winner will go on to join Mexico, Costa Rica and the winner of Group B in third round action.

The Cayman Islands have never taken part in the finals of a FIFA competition though have been steadily improving since joining the organization in 1992. The team is coached by Carl Brown and is competing for a chance to play in the 2014 FIFA World Cup that will be held in Brazil.

"Michael is our anchor behind the defense and is a leader," said King College Men's Soccer head coach Louis Thorpe. "As much as we will miss him, we are very happy for him. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity that not many people get the chance to have. We wish him nothing but the best and good luck."

Johnson will return to the Tornado and King after his obligation to the National Team is met.

To learn more or follow Johnson and the Cayman Islands, visit the FIFA link provided here.